With the temperatures rising throughout most of the USA heat stroke cases will also start to rise within veterinary hospitals. Dogs are unable to sweat and so their primary way to cool down is by panting. Panting is not very efficient, which can lead to a dog's temperature rising to the point of making them sick.
What is heat stroke?
Heat stroke it the term to describe severe hyperthermia, or a severely elevated temperature in dogs. A dog's normal body temperature is between 100F to 102.5F. If a dog's temperature rises to more than 103F then it is considered hyperthermia. Typically fevers of infectious origin do not cause temperatures over 106F. Once a dog's temperature reaches 107F organ failure and death are imminent.
What causes heat stroke?
Dog's being exposed to high temperatures, inadequate ventilation, or over exercised are all causes of heat stroke. Heat stroke will happen faster when the weather is very humid, but can happen with any warmer weather temperatures.
Brachycephalic breeds (dogs with a pushed in nose, like bulldogs) are particularly prone to overheating as they cannot not pant efficiently to cool down. If a dog does not have access to shade or water in hot weather they can suffer from heat stroke. Dogs being left in hot cars is a common cause of heat stroke. I have even seen a dog succumb to heat stroke after being blow dried at a high setting for too long after being bathed.
What are symptoms of heat stroke?
Heavy panting
Drooling
Bright red gum color in the mouth
Vomiting/diarrhea
Mental dullness
Collapse
What should be done if I suspect my dog has heat stroke?
GET THEM TO A VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY
Offer cold water to drink
Place cool (not freezing) water on their backs and paws
Put them in air conditioning
How it heat stroke treated?
Heat stroke it treated by slowly lowering the body temperature back to normal. This is done by using cool water baths, fans, and intravenous fluids. Oxygen supplementation may be needed if panting is not deemed efficient, especially in brachycephalic breeds. Once the body temperature has returned to normal, most dogs will feel better. However, if the heat stroke is severe it could lead to gastrointestinal issues and organ failure. Any subsequent issues would be treated symptomatically.
Prognosis of Heat Stroke
The prognosis of heat stroke depends on how high the temperature gets and how long it is maintained at that high level. For minor elevations that are treated immediately, the prognosis is good for recovery. If the heat stroke is very severe and prolonged, then organ failure is likely and the prognosis for recovery to normal becomes less likely. Dogs that have experienced a heat stroke event are more likely to experience subsequent heat stroke events due to damage of their heat regulating system.
This is an advertisement.
Comments